With the latest deliveries, Hungary will operate 18 Gripen C/D aircraft. The fleet will comprise 16 Gripen C fighters and two Gripen D aircraft.
The deliveries complete the contract amendment covering additional Gripen aircraft for Hungary. Saab said the arrival of the two aircraft would further strengthen the capabilities of the Hungarian Air Force.
Saab’s 2024 order for Hungary followed an amendment to the original 2001 contract between FMV and the Hungarian government. That earlier agreement covered 14 Gripen C/D fighters for the Hungarian Air Force.
Lars Tossman, Senior Vice President and head of Saab business area Aeronautics, said: “We are proud of the Hungarian Air Force, which has now operated Gripen fighters for 20 years. Thanks to the support and service contract, the Hungarian Gripen fleet will maintain high availability and be continuously upgraded to fulfill all mission requirements for at least a decade ahead.”
The 2024 contract covered four additional Gripen C fighter aircraft for Hungary. Saab signed the contract with FMV after the Hungarian Ministry of Defence and FMV signed the amendment for the additional aircraft.
Micael Johansson, President and CEO of Saab, said at the time of the 2024 order: “With the Gripen fighter, Hungary has one of Europe’s most capable air forces. We look forward to continuing our close collaboration with the Hungarian Government and defence industry.”
Saab currently has a support contract with FMV for Hungary’s Gripen aircraft. The company said it is ready to provide additional upgrades and support for the Hungarian fighters beyond 2035.
Saab and the Hungarian Ministry of Defence have also signed a memorandum of understanding on the development of high-tech industrial areas and fighter aircraft capabilities. The cooperation includes support for the establishment of a Centre of Excellence for virtual reality technologies in Hungary.
The final deliveries close the latest phase of Hungary’s Gripen expansion. The programme also continues Saab’s long-term relationship with Hungary through aircraft support, upgrades and industrial cooperation.
